To kick off our new series featuring stories from Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association (WLUAA) Board Members, we connected with Caitlin Smith (BA ’05, MBA ’10). Caitlin is the Chief Operating Officer for Strong Start®, a charitable organization that helps young children learn to read. She has been with them for more than eight years and loves to work on technology projects that bring efficiency and scale to their operations.
She is also currently working towards a Certification in Privacy Management with the International Association of Privacy Professionals. When she’s not busy working or giving back to her community, you can find Caitlin spending time with her husband and son, chatting with her Laurier friends, or jamming out to one of her favourite artists, Post Malone.
What is something you learned during your time at Laurier that you still carry with you?
“It’s not always about the destination, but rather the journey that gets you there. Sometimes people are shocked that I have an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology because I’m not in the traditional careers associated with that field of study. I gently remind anyone who thinks I’m not “using my degree” that my entire university experience helped me figure out a path that is uniquely my own and that to be honest, I’m still on. I credit the synergy of all my experiences at Laurier as the reason I am successful today in my professional and personal life. It was the classroom learning, living in residence and off campus, volunteering at The Cord, working at The Hub and OneCard Office, DJing for Radio Laurier, playing varsity field lacrosse, studying with my besties and roomies in the Science building, and being inspired by faculty, staff, and fellow Golden Hawks, that all made the Laurier experience so unique and memorable. And I apply the lessons from all those experiences every single day.”
What made you want to join WLUAA?
“I became a WLUAA member because I wanted to give back to the institution that inspired me to pursue a life of leadership and passion. I know I would not be where I am today if it were not for the Laurier experiences and the Laurier community. There is something so special about the Golden Hawk spirit and those connections that it’s almost hard to put into words. I love being able to contribute in a variety of ways, whether it’s at the board table, representing the voice of Alumni as a Senator, celebrating Homecoming, or connecting with students at Convocation. These are unique experiences that make me feel very proud to be part of the Laurier community.”
Are you also looking to get involved and make an impact? Apply to join the WLUAA Board and we will be in contact to discuss opportunities.
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